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Biomatrix re-naturalise Northwich flood alleviation

Waterfront cities and towns worldwide are upgrading their flood defences. Interventions often involve the construction of flood-walls. While these walls provide the necessary protection, the downside is that the waterfront becomes increasingly hard-edged, resulting in a loss of amenity value and biodiversity.

In the scenic town of Northwich, UK, a sheet pile flood defence wall was required in the centre, and there were concerns at the planning stage regarding the aesthetic and ecological impacts of this wall.

Biomatrix Water is an ecological technology company working primarily in the water sector. Based in Horizon Scotland on the Enterprise park, Forres, Scotland, they have worked throughout the world providing products and services to meet the growing demand for ecological water technology that is both functional, attractive and sustainable.

A floating riverbank was constructed from Biomatrix 4D floating ecosystem modules that were custom designed to match the curvature of the wall. This floating ecosystem softens the steel-clad wall, providing habitat and a natural waterscape aesthetic. Stone cladding and glass panels were also utilised. This project demonstrates a robust and innovative solution to allow the essential work of flood alleviation schemes to proceed, while actually enhancing the waterscape's ecological potential and natural beauty.

"We’ve been really pleased with the service provided by Biomatrix from the initial design advice through to maintenance. The engagement day with the local school was a big success. The floating ecosystem is a great product and has enabled a valuable habitat to be created in front of the new flood defence. The plants were quick to establish and required little maintenance." Connor McIlwrath, Senior Environmental Project Manager, Environment Agency

This project sets an example for flood alleviation schemes across the country and is a particularly important benchmark due to the challenging conditions of the location, at the confluence of two rivers with significant water fluctuations and flow rates.

The overall contract was carried out for the Environment Agency by Galliford Try and Black & Veatch, plants and floating ecosystems were provided by Land & Water and the ecosystem modules were manufactured and installed by Biomatrix Water.